RingKarp is developing an Estonian-wide circular system that allows everyone to enjoy takeaway food without using single-use packaging. Almost 80 environmentally-conscious restaurants from all over Estonia have already joined our system, circulating over 3000 reusable containers.
The idea for RingKarp was born out of personal need: we were not able to order takeaway food without creating unnecessary trash - after ordering through Wolt/Bolt, our trash bin was filled with single-use packaging in a second.
Biodegradable boxes are not a solution either because they won't degrade in home compost! Unfortunately there are no industrial composting facilities in Estonia today that could compost biodegradable materials. Often when we thought about getting a spontaneous takeaway meal, we didn't have our own boxes. That led us to think about creating a circular system that would not just decrease the environmental footprint a little bit, but have a considerable impact, so also the most serious environment-fanatics (like us) could use the system with a clear consciousness.
The system is very easy to use. As a takeaway customer, you leave a deposit of €10 for a box or €5 for the cup. Once you return the empty container(s) to any restaurant or cafe that is part of the system, your deposit will be returned to you. Which means using our service is free!
The deposit ensures that the containers remain in circulation rather than stay at home forever, or even worse - end up in a trash bin. The boxes are worth every penny - they are not just packaging for food, but high-quality food containers that are meant to be used for a long time. We had high expectations for RingKarp containers and we're very happy with our choice. The containers are manufactured in Switzerland, reusable for at least 200 times, leak-proof, don't contain any toxic materials and can be used in the microwave or dishwasher as well as in the oven (up to 120 C degrees). They can be stacked with or without the lid, hence they take very little space.
Although the service is free for the client, people are sometimes taken aback by the relatively high deposit. That's the reason for an app that would allow everyone to use the system without having to pay the deposit, as long as the client returns the containers within 7 days. The deposit will be deducted from the client's account only if the containers haven't been returned within that time frame. However, you will still get the deposit back once you return the containers in any restaurant in our system.
The app would encourage people to use RingKarp also with larger orders and keep them motivated to return the containers quickly so they can stay in circulation.
Our financial goals:
- 6000€ - the app will have the functionality that allows using reusable takeaway boxes and cups without a deposit
- 10 000€ - developing map functionality: allows you to easily find the nearest takeaway restaurant
- 15 000€ - developing the bonus program: with every box or cup use, you will collect bonus points that can be exchanged for free food and drinks
- 18 000€ - the app will be connected to a local delivery service that allows ordering your food to the home or office without a deposit
Support us and let's free Estonia from single-use packaging!
As a thank you, we will gift our supporters RingKarp containers that help you to eliminate unnecessary trash. When receiving your ringkarp from a restaurant using our service, the container might already be circling around. You can purchase the containers directly from us as well for a slightly higher price than the deposit payment, but you can be sure that you'll get a brand new product. All the gifts in Hooandja are, of course, brand new containers.
Environmentally friendly DIY kits and workshops are from our partner Örrekese Meistrikoda.
You can collect your gift from our office in Tallinn (Rahu 5) or Ilma Pood (Soo 42). If you can't pick it up yourself, let us know and we will agree on how to get it to you in the most sustainable way.
